stave off

verb

staved off; staving off; staves off
Synonyms of stave offnext

transitive verb

1
: to fend off
staving off creditors
2
: to ward off (something adverse) : forestall
trying to stave off disaster

Synonyms of stave off

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Examples of stave off in a Sentence

managed to stave off the invaders the quartermaster staved off a shortage by requisitioning more than enough supplies
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is the best way to stave off the oil buildup that causes yellowing on your pillowcases. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, however, the day Ahmed entered custody in Chicago, prosecutors secured a new indictment from a different grand jury that could stave off any further inquiry. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The sales tax measure was placed on the ballot earlier this year to help stave off cuts to the region’s struggling public transit agencies that have yet to see ridership levels return to pre-pandemic levels. — Grace Hase, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Because Democrats have spent the past 15 years desperately trying to stave off conservative legislation, the party has had little room for internecine warfare. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stave off

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stave off was in 1611

Rhymes for stave off

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Browse Nearby Words

stave oak
stave off
stave pipe
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Cite this Entry

“Stave off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stave%20off. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stave off

verb
: to force or keep away : fend off
stave off trouble
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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